A Blessed Mother

I went to a funeral today. A good friend’s mother passed away this past week. I did not know her well, but I went to the funeral out of respect for my friend and her family. It was a grave-side funeral, not a lot of pomp and circumstance, no limousines, fancy suits or dresses. A motorcycle escort, made up of friends of the family, accompanied the procession, the men wearing white shirts, black vests with their club’s insignia, and rode in a respectful manner. The simple well-made pine casket spoke of the desire for loving accommodations, but without the funds to be extravagant. The family were honest, hard-working people, grateful for what they had.

The chaplain said a few words and opened the service to anyone who wanted to share a few memories. Children were passed around to anyone who would take turns keeping them diverted and occupied. There were tears, but a lot of smiles and stories about Sara (the mother) teaching a young woman how to make banana nut bread, playing games with young men to keep them out of mischief, and other stories of personal involvement in the lives of her family. They obviously adored her.

She had lived a quite life as a wife, mother, aunt, and helped support her family with factory work and later, as a seamstress. She didn’t write a great novel, travel the world, or influence the course of history. But she was a good woman, helped build character in others lives, and left a legacy of worthiness behind.

Proverbs 31:28-31 describes this woman, Sara, well:

Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:

“Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.”

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.